Head of Rigging Workshop

d&b solutions UK is seeking a Head of Rigging Workshop to lead our SW19 rigging workshop team and drive safe, efficient, well-organised workshop operations across stock, storage, and equipment readiness. This role is well suited to candidates with transferable experience from mechanical, engineering, manufacturing, plant, lifting equipment, or workshop/warehouse environments – particularly where inspection, testing, maintenance, and high standards of record-keeping are required. Live entertainment rigging knowledge is not essential on day one, but you will be expected to develop strong rigging equipment knowledge over time, with structured support and training to build rigging-specific capability and the competence needed to support LOLER requirements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the SW19 rigging workshop, ensuring efficient and well-organised operations across stock, storage, and team activity.
• Provide line management to rigging workshop team members, including task allocation, performance management, coaching, and development.
• Support LOLER compliance in partnership with the Head of Rigging – including the inspection and testing schedule, record-keeping, and ensuring the team follows safe working practices at all times.
• Own and continuously improve workshop systems – stock management, labelling, storage layout, and standard operating procedures – ensuring they are documented and followed.
• Lead and complete improvement projects within the workshop as directed, taking ownership of scope, progress, and outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with Production, Project Management, and peer Workshop Heads to ensure rigging equipment and expertise are available and well-prepared for client projects.
• With a small team of two, be prepared to work hands-on during prep and to assist with the repair and servicing of motors, hoists, and other rigging equipment alongside the team.

Defining Success in this role:

Success in this role means a well-run workshop where stock is maintained and accessible, LOLER compliance is consistently upheld, and the team is well-led and developing. Systems and processes are embedded and followed without reliance on individual knowledge, improvement projects are completed to a high standard, and the Technical Workshops Operations Manager has clear visibility of workshop status without needing to chase for it.

Technical Skills

• Practical, hands-on ability to assess, handle, and maintain equipment in a workshop environment (including basic servicing/repair) with a strong focus on safe systems of work.
• Experience supporting inspection/testing regimes for equipment or metalwork (e.g., lifting accessories, mechanical components, fabricated items, plant equipment) and maintaining accurate records.
• Working knowledge of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) is desirable; candidates without prior LOLER exposure will be supported to develop competence and complete relevant training to meet our inspection and compliance needs.
• Experience managing workshop stock and storage systems, including labelling, rationalisation, and continuous improvement of processes.
• Live entertainment rigging equipment knowledge (e.g., truss, hoists, clamps, shackles) is desirable but not essential on day one; you will be expected to learn and become knowledgeable over time as part of the role.

Experience & Qualifications

• Background in a mechanical, engineering, manufacturing, plant, or workshop environment, ideally involving the inspection, testing, or maintenance of equipment, metalwork, or safety-critical components.
• Experience leading, supervising, or acting as a senior point of contact for others in a technical environment (workshop, warehouse, engineering, production, or similar) – formal management experience is beneficial but not essential.
• Experience working with controlled processes and compliance documentation (e.g., inspection schedules, equipment history, defect reporting, sign-off/traceability).
• Working knowledge of LOLER requirements is desirable; we will support training towards relevant inspection competence where needed.
• Experience working with stock control systems.
• Live entertainment rigging experience (theatre, broadcast, music, or corporate events) is a welcome additional skillset, but is not essential. Candidates without this background must be willing to learn and build rigging knowledge as part of the role.
• An interest in, and willingness to work towards, role-relevant rigging knowledge and inspection-related certifications (including LOLER-related competence) is required.

d&b solutions team members are expected to:

• Work alongside the members of other teams and communicate effectively.
• Learn about the company and its activities in order to understand and deal with the customers.
• Maintain d&b solutions confidentiality at all times.
• Represent the company in a courteous and appropriate manner in all circumstances.
• Follow correct procedures at all times and to follow the policies laid out in the staff handbook.
• Adhere to and demonstrate knowledge of health and safety matters in relation to work-related tasks and ensure that relevant Health and Safety guidelines are adhered to at all times.
• Carry out your duties and responsibilities in a manner that reflects the Core Values of d&b solutions at all times – Community, Creativity and Innovation, Integrity and Trust, Learning, Quality and Excellence.

We want to recruit, and retain the most talented people, regardless of their background. We recognise that being a diverse and inclusive employer helps us fulfil our responsibility to make a difference for our staff, our clients, and our industry. Actively valuing differences enhances the way we work and people from different backgrounds and experiences bring valuable insights to the way we operate, generating new ideas and perspectives as well as making us representative of the community and society.